Hamilton, Ontario – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced today that the team has acquired import wide receiver Maurice Mann from the Edmonton Eskimos in exchange for import defensive back Chris Thompson.

“Maurice provides our offence with an experienced wideout with size,” said General Manager Bob O’Billovich. “He’s been productive throughout his CFL career and has shown an ability to make tough catches.”

Mann, a 6-2, 190-pound native of Seaside, California was named a CFLPA All-Star last season after hauling in 73 passes for 917 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games with the Eskimos. The Nevada product suited up for 25 games over the past three seasons with the Esks, racking up 113 receptions for 1,464 yards and 10 touchdowns.

From 86: “There are a lot of emotions that go with a situation like this, but I am excited about what the future holds and this new venture!” 

Click the Video and Blog tab above so you won’t miss out this season media access. Maurice is live – with a handheld camcorder with footage from his point of view of the first day of training camp.

These All-Star nominations are regarded as one of the most prestigious awards as they are voted on by peers.  This team was voted on by all current members on the eight CFL Member Clubs as well as all positional coaches for each club.  This year over 400 ballots were received that determined the 2009 winners.

All four voted members were key contributors to the Eskimos’ return to the West Division playoffs.  League-leading receiver Fred Stamps ended the season with 85 receptions for 1402 yards and eight touchdowns.  Stamps was named a 2009 CFL All-Star and was the Eskimo nominee for the Gibson’s Finest Most Outstanding Player Award.  

Despite missing four games with a hamstring injury, 2008 CFL All-Star Maurice Lloyd ended the ’09 campaign with 55 defensive tackles, four special teams tackles, four sacks, three tackles for losses and one forced fumble.  The Connecticut graduate recently re-signed with the Eskimos, keeping him in green and gold to the end of the 2010 season with an option for 2011.

Maurice Mann was on par for a 1000+ yard season before missing the last two regular season games and the Western Semi-Final with an ankle injury.  He ended 2009 with 73 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns, second overall for Eskimo receivers.

Mathieu Bertrand again had a solid season with the Eskimos.  His hard-nosed style of play allowed the only Canadian CFLPA All-Star to end the season with 22 receptions for 207 yards and seven carries for 22 yards and one touchdown.  The Quebec native was also a demon on special teams accumulating 15 special teams tackles and one forced fumble.  

Mann, Edmonton’s second leading receiver and fifth overall in the CFL,  has 24 catches for 388 yards and one TD in 2009.   The Nevada product  first joined the Eskimos in 2007. 

Jackson has followed his excellent rookie campaign with a stellar start to his sophomore season with a combined 804 yards, third best in the CFL.  The Mississippi native was named Gibson’s Finest CFL Special Teams Player of the Week for week four after he returned a punt for 75 yards and a touchdown in Edmonton’s 38-33 win over Saskatchewan July 25th.  In 2009, Jackson has 30 punt returns for 315 yards and one touchdown and 24 kickoff returns for 489 yards.

“Tristan and Maurice are two of the best in the CFL right now,” says Eskimo Head Coach Richie Hall.  “Both are still young and developing should be a big part in the Eskimos’ future success.”